Category: Middle East

MIL-OSI Translation: 12/10/2024 Statement by the UNIFIL participating states following the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

At the initiative of Poland, a group of 34 countries participating in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, including three permanent members of the UN Security Council, issued a joint statement in New York on 12 October condemning the recent attacks on the mission’s force base. The countries called for an immediate cessation of attacks and for ensuring adequate protection for UN personnel in accordance with international law. The countries reaffirmed their full support for the UNIFIL mission and activities, the main objective of which is to ensure stability and lasting peace in southern Lebanon, as well as in the Middle East, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. They stressed that the role of UNIFIL is particularly important in light of the escalating situation in the region. The statement was addressed to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the members of the Security Council. The UNIFIL mission is staffed by 10,000 personnel. peacekeeping troops, including over 200 Poles. Below is a list of countries that have joined the Polish initiative:

1. Armenia2. Austria3. Bangladesh4. Brasilia5. Cambodia6. Chino7. Chipre8. Salvador9. Estonia10. Fiji11. Finland12. France13. Ghana14. Guatemala15. Hungary16. Indonesia17. Ireland18. Italy19. Kazakhstan20. Republic of Korea21. Latvia22. Malaysia23. Malta24. Mongolia25. Nepal26. Netherlands27. Poland28. Qatar29. Sierra Leone30. Spain31. Sri Lanka32. Tanzania33. Turkey34. Great Britain35. Germany36. Peru37. Uruguay Content of the statement:Statement by the States participating in the UNIFIL mission following the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.As States participating in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), we reaffirm our full support for the UNIFIL mission and activities, the primary objective of which is to ensure stability and lasting peace in South Lebanon, as well as in the Middle East, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.We consider the role of UNIFIL to be particularly important in light of the escalating situation in the region.In this regard, we strongly condemn the recent attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers. Such actions must be immediately stopped and properly investigated.We call on the parties to the conflict to respect the presence of UNIFIL, which entails the obligation to guarantee the safety of its personnel at all times, so that they can continue to implement their mandate and continue their work of mediation and support for peace and stability in Lebanon and the wider region.We reaffirm our commitment to multilateral cooperation with the UN at its core. We call for respect for international law, in particular the UN Charter and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

MILES AXIS

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON CONCLUDES VISIT TO MUSCAT, OMAN

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 12 OCT 2024 6:12PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Naval Ships Tir and Shardul along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Veera of the First Training Squadron (1TS) concluded visit to Muscat, Oman on 09 Oct 24. During the four day visit, the Indian Navy engaged with Royal Navy of Oman on various fronts, forging deeper bonds and strengthening the Bridges of Friendship between two maritime nations.

VAdm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command (FOCINC, South) along with Commanding Officers of visiting ships called on VAdm Abdullah Bin Khamis Bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Chief of Staff Sultan’s Armed Forces (COSSAF) and RAdm Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al- Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). The discussions were focused on enhancing defence cooperation through avenues of training exchanges, shared knowledge and joint training exercises. During the visit, FOCINC (South) emphasised the importance of growing strategic partnership, greater engagement & interoperability between the two Navies.

The Indian Naval delegation visited Said Bin Sultan Naval Base and were conducted on a guided tour including ships, maintenance units and medical setup. The sea trainees of 1TS visited various facilities and simulators including Sports complex at Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy. The trainees had the opportunity to visit Fleet Maintenance Unit and troop carrier ship Al Naasir of Royal Navy of Oman. Personnel of Royal Navy of Oman visited ships of 1TS as part of cross deck visit and held interactions, exchanging best practices and fostering goodwill & camaraderie.

In a school outreach event undertaken by 1TS, the young minds were provided glimpses of the role and capabilities of the Indian Navy. In another event, the Indian Naval Symphonic Band captivated the audience at Oman Avenues Mall showcasing a vibrant display of music transcending language and cultural boundaries. Mrs Vijaya Srinivas, President, Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (Southern Region) visited an Early Intervention Centre, A.B.L.E in Indian School Wadi Kabir. She interacted with the faculty & differently abled children and appreciated the school for their initiatives. During the port call, school children, members of the Indian Embassy at the Sultanate of Oman and the Indian diaspora visited the ships. Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, visited the ships of 1TS and engaged in an interactive session with the sea Trainees.

A formal reception was hosted by VAdm V Srinivas, FOCINC (South) onboard ships of 1TS. Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Sultanate of Oman and Cmde Ali Al Balushi, Asst Chief of Staff, Sultan’s Armed Forces (Admin and Logistics) attended the reception. The event was also attended by diplomats, Omani dignitaries and other esteemed guests.

The visit of Indian Naval Ships to the Sultanate of Oman concluded on a high note, having significantly strengthened bonds and fostering deeper and long-lasting ties between the two seafaring nations.

_______________________________________________________________

VM/SKY 205/24

(Release ID: 2064412) Visitor Counter : 46

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: AI in Healthcare in UAE, China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: Different Pace of Adoption, Similar Results

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is transforming medical practices around the world, significantly reducing patient waiting times and reducing the workload of doctors. This was the key topic at the international session of the Russian Diagnostic Summit, where representatives from the UAE, China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia spoke about their initiatives to introduce AI in radiology.

Despite the different speeds of AI adoption, the results in each country were strikingly similar. During the session, experts from these countries shared their experiences with AI in medical imaging. China is prioritizing standardization and regulation of AI technologies in healthcare, while the UAE is advancing the use of AI in ultrasound diagnostics.

Saudi Arabia uses remote CT and MRI scanning to address access to healthcare in rural areas, while Russia has developed a Unified Radiological Information Service that centralizes patient records, giving doctors access to diagnostic data in real time.

This innovative system attracted the attention of international delegates, who expressed interest in implementing similar solutions in their countries. According to Yuri Vasiliev, Senior Consultant for Radiology and Instrumental Diagnostics at the Moscow Department of Health, the implementation of AI in all participating countries has led to faster patient care and a reduced workload for doctors.

In his presentation on musculoskeletal diagnostics, Dr. Abdulla Alremaithi, President of the Emirates Radiological Society, highlighted that in the UAE, AI has reduced scanning times by 88% and improved image quality.

Peijun Wang, professor and vice chairman of the Chinese Society of Radiology, spoke about China’s comprehensive efforts to regulate and validate AI-enabled medical devices. As of 2022, China had issued 22 regulations, and by 2023, 62 companies were involved in the development of AI-based medical imaging tools, with 45 products supporting the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, chest diseases, and fractures.

In Saudi Arabia, Dr. Mashael Alrujaiba, board member of the Saudi Arabian Radiological Society, spoke about how remote diagnostic technologies such as CT and MRI are improving access to healthcare for patients in rural areas.

Shazia Khan, a professor of radiology from Pakistan, highlighted the impact of AI on workflow efficiency, citing automation of measurements as one of the key benefits.

The Russian Diagnostic Summit was attended by over 13,000 people, including representatives from all regions of Russia and delegations from 28 countries, such as Abkhazia, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, India and Syria.

The event featured 236 scientific and educational sessions in 21 conference halls, including forums, seminars, round tables and master classes. More than 800 leading experts presented their reports, and more than 230 companies presented their latest technological innovations at the Diagnopolis exhibition.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Middle East: “Region on the brink of an all-out war” – DPPA Briefing | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Remarks by Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on the situation in the Middle East – Security Council, 9746th meeting.

———————–

The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council that “the devastating conflict in Lebanon, coupled with intensified strikes in Syria and the raging violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, points to a region dangerously teetering on the brink of an all-out war” and said, “our collective inability to stop the violence and stem the bloodshed is damning.”

DiCarlo said, “Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups must stop firing rockets and missiles into Israel. We urge Israel to stop its bombardment of Lebanon and to withdraw its ground forces. The parties must seize the diplomatic options put on the table before them, not the weapons by their side.”

She urged the parties to commit to a return to a cessation of hostilities, and the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006).

DiCarlo said, “the Lebanese state must have control over all weapons within its territory. We see what happens when it does not. The political impasse for the election of a president is approaching two years. At this time of crisis, I urge Lebanon’s political leaders to take resolute steps towards addressing the vacuum.”

She added, “the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Lebanon and Israel must be respected.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjHG3aU_yYE

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Iran rejects claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel

Source: China State Council Information Office

Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Oct. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York rejected on Saturday claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ October 7 surprise attack on Israel, according to the official news agency IRNA.

In a statement, the Iranian mission responded to questions from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal regarding Israel’s claim of having access to minutes from Hamas’ secret meetings, which allegedly indicated Tehran was informed of the group’s plan for the October 7 attack, the report said.

“While Hamas officials based in (the Qatari capital) Doha have announced that they had no information about the operation and solely Hamas’ military wing based in Gaza had been responsible for the planning, deciding about and directing the operation, any claim aiming to partially or entirely link the operation to Iran or Hezbollah is invalid and comes from fabricated documents,” said the mission.

The New York Times reported on Saturday that minutes of Hamas’ secret meetings, seized by the Israeli military and obtained by the American newspaper, provided a detailed record of the planning for the Oct. 7 attack, as well as the determination of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ incumbent political bureau chief, to persuade the Palestinian group’s allies, Iran and Hezbollah, to join the operation or at least commit to a broader fight with Israel if Hamas staged a surprise cross-border raid.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. In response, the Israeli military has been conducting a large-scale offensive on Gaza.

Iranian officials have consistently stated that while Iran supports Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, it had no prior knowledge of the attack on Israel and was not involved in its execution.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Hamas claims killing, wounding of Israeli soldiers in N. Gaza

Source: China State Council Information Office

The al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, announced on Saturday that they had killed and injured members of a 15-person Israeli patrol by detonating a powerful explosive device in northern Gaza City.

In a press statement, the Brigades said that their forces targeted the Israeli patrol as it attempted to raid a house west of the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza.

Members of the patrol were either killed or injured, the statement said, without providing further details. The Israeli army has not yet commented on the incident.

In separate statements, the Brigades claimed that their forces had shelled a gathering of Israeli troops east of the Jabalia camp with mortar fire, and targeted an Israeli Merkava tank with a missile in the Tawam area north of Gaza City.

The Brigades did not mention the casualties of the two attacks.

These developments came amid a large-scale operation by the Israeli army in Jabalia and surrounding areas for about a week, along with a blockade imposed on the residents there.

On Oct. 6, the Israeli army’s spokesman Avichai Adraee announced that the Jabalia area had been “encircled.” He explained that the operation was based on prior intelligence indicating the presence of armed elements and infrastructure, along with efforts by Hamas to rebuild its militant capabilities.

For its part, the Civil Defense Authority in Gaza warned on Saturday that 200,000 Palestinians in Jabalia face the risk of death either from Israeli shelling or from hunger and thirst, amid a land blockade that has been ongoing for the seventh consecutive day.

Spokesman Mouhammed Bassil said that the Israeli army “has not allowed medical teams and civil defense personnel to obtain fuel and medical supplies, which negatively impacts the situation of the besieged citizens.”

Bassil called on international organizations to fulfill their humanitarian duty to protect the residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, the World Food Program (WFP) warned that the escalating violence in northern Gaza is “having a disastrous impact on food security for thousands of Palestinian families,” noting that the main crossings into the north have been closed and no food aid has entered since Oct. 1.

In a statement, the WFP said food distribution points, as well as kitchens and bakeries in northern Gaza, have been forced to shut down due to airstrikes, military ground operations and evacuation orders. The only functioning bakery in the area, supported by the WFP, caught fire after being hit by an explosive munition.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Iran rejects claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ attack on Israel

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Oct. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York rejected on Saturday claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ October 7 surprise attack on Israel, according to the official news agency IRNA.

In a statement, the Iranian mission responded to questions from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal regarding Israel’s claim of having access to minutes from Hamas’ secret meetings, which allegedly indicated Tehran was informed of the group’s plan for the October 7 attack, the report said.

“While Hamas officials based in (the Qatari capital) Doha have announced that they had no information about the operation and solely Hamas’ military wing based in Gaza had been responsible for the planning, deciding about and directing the operation, any claim aiming to partially or entirely link the operation to Iran or Hezbollah is invalid and comes from fabricated documents,” said the mission.

The New York Times reported on Saturday that minutes of Hamas’ secret meetings, seized by the Israeli military and obtained by the American newspaper, provided a detailed record of the planning for the Oct. 7 attack, as well as the determination of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ incumbent political bureau chief, to persuade the Palestinian group’s allies, Iran and Hezbollah, to join the operation or at least commit to a broader fight with Israel if Hamas staged a surprise cross-border raid.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. In response, the Israeli military has been conducting a large-scale offensive on Gaza.

Iranian officials have consistently stated that while Iran supports Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, it had no prior knowledge of the attack on Israel and was not involved in its execution.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Lufthansa Group awarded “Best Airline App 2024” worldwide

Source: Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group has been awarded the prize for the world’s best airline app 2024 at the World Aviation Festival (WAF).

The Lufthansa Group app was previously evaluated by customers and nominated for the final round. A jury of experts compared the four nominees in a competition, the “Battle of the Airline Apps”, and rated the Lufthansa Group app as the best among the biggest players in the industry. The Lufthansa product came out on top against the apps from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Air India.

Dieter Vranckx, Member of the Executive Board Lufthansa Group, Global Markets & Commercial Airlines Hubs, says: “The Lufthansa Group App puts our customers at the center and provides them with user-friendly services, transparent information and support throughout their journey. I am proud of the entire team for the great progress we have made in recent years. The award for the Lufthansa Group app encourages us to continue developing our digital services for Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and Brussels Airlines.”

Oliver Schmitt, Head of Digital Customer Solutions and Managing Director Digital Hangar GmbH, says: “The digital travel experience of our guests is increasingly determined by their mobile devices. The app is playing a growing role as a travel companion. In recent years, we have worked specifically on service offerings, especially in the event of irregularities, on simplifications and better information for our guests, and created numerous benefits for frequent flyers.”

The World Aviation Festival is a leading global conference for the international aviation industry, focusing on technology, passenger experience, digitalization and sustainability in aviation.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star set to accelerate world’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) economy with market projected to reach $2.7 trillion by 2032

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 13, 2024/APO Group/ —

GITEX GLOBAL (www.Gitex.com), the world’s largest tech and startup event, takes centre stage in the UAE next week with this year’s 44th edition destined to redefine the world’s digital economy and AI ecosystem.

Held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, the incomparable international showpiece will be more influential than ever this time around – presenting an expanded events programme that transforms the UAE into an AI universe epicentre.

Under the theme “Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy”, GITEX GLOBAL 2024 welcomes the world’s largest technology enterprises alongside governments, investors, experts, startups, academia, and researchers.

Expand North Star (http://apo-opa.co/405aSCm), the world’s largest startup and investment show, runs concurrently at Dubai Harbour from 13-16 October – hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by DWTC.

With over 6,500 exhibiting companies, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries participating across 38 halls of innovation and business opportunities, these blockbuster events will see the UAE “strategically propel the next generation of AI-driven technologies”.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, said: “At GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, we shall close the year with significant manoeuvres from our tech community by doubling down on global collaborations and intensive engagements amongst all involved. Through these efforts, we shall forge competitive advantages in the race towards regional and international digital supremacy.

“With international participation in GITEX GLOBAL 2024 rocketing by almost 40 per cent, it’s a barometer of the unstoppable ambitions of many young rising digital nations who are now confidently forging their ways into the future global AI economy through GITEX. As the world’s most global tech event brand with events in Germany, Singapore, Morocco, and Nigeria alongside Expand North Star, we are committed to strategically propelling the next generation of AI-driven technologies via startups, scale-ups and unicorns.”

A global agenda for tomorrow’s AI economy

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global AI market is projected to reach $621 billion in 2024 and soar to $2.7 trillion by 2032. Given its influence and impact now and in the future, the technology takes centre stage at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 with over 3,500 enterprises presenting the latest breakthrough innovations in AI, IoT, data, and the cloud.

Amongst them is TECOM Group PJSC, which celebrates its 25^th successive year at GITEX GLOBAL next week. Ahead of the event, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group PJSC and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said: “Dubai’s pro-innovation frameworks are the bedrock of tech advancements that serve a greater purpose. GITEX GLOBAL is a springboard to unlock this potential, and as the region’s leading tech hub, Dubai Internet City has been a proud partner for decades in its mission towards a brighter future. Our community is pleased to connect innovators from more than 3,500 companies across fields like artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, digital transformation, and beyond to realise this vision.”

Abu Dhabi’s most influential companies and organisations, including the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and G42 Group with its leading enterprises Presight and Khazna, will reinforce the Emirate’s position as an emerging global AI nexus. Other tech giants participating are Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Builder Ai, Dell, Google, Honeywell, Huawei, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, Salesforce, SAS, solutions by STC, and Tech Destination Pakistan.

Presenting the year’s largest AI event, GITEX GLOBAL will deliver 120-plus hours of AI and deep tech-focused content across various topics, facilitating discussions on the implications of AI in Future Health, Digital Finance, and EdTech. Following the wildfire pace of AI adoption and the unprecedented growth in data storage demand, the event is also launching the region’s largest Data Centre Symposium in 2024, featuring the industry leaders Datalec, Kerno, Khazna, Legrand, NTT Data, Schneider Electric, Vertiv, among many others.

The programme will build anticipation ahead of the all-new AI Everything Global 2025. This event – taking place in Abu Dhabi (4 February) and Dubai (5-6 February) will gather some of the world’s most visionary AI tech companies to construct an innovative, fair, and responsible AI industry of the future.

Fast-tracking the next generation of startups

The world’s largest startup and investment event, Expand North Star will foster the next frontier of tech and innovation. In another record-breaking edition, the event will connect the most innovative global founders with new markets, enterprise customers, and an influential pool of investors and venture capitalists with over $1.2 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). These include SOSV, Bessemer Ventures, Lightrock, Sinovation Ventures, and the European Innovation Fund.

Additionally, Expand North Star will seek to redefine the future of money, blockchain, and creativity through leading co-located events GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania. Accelerating the next generation of scaleups, the world’s largest start-up pitch competition, Supernova Challenge 2.0, also graces GITEX GLOBAL with the winners claiming a share of the $200,000 prize pool.

Historic international involvement

GITEX GLOBAL 2024 will welcome the highest international attendance in its history, welcoming over 400 government and digital development agencies from around the world. Alongside GITEX GLOBAL regulars, the new nations debuting this year will showcase their latest groundbreaking tech innovations.

Next week marks the largest European participation at GITEX GLOBAL with over 35 European countries exhibiting alongside 1,000-plus SMEs and 450-plus startups from debuting countries, including Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Many rising digital nations from Latin America are also behind the record-breaking international involvement, as are those from Central and Southeast Asia. Joining long-time GITEX GLOBAL participants such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are several debutants – Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan amongst them.

While promoting international business development, entrepreneurship, and investment engagements to benefit enterprises, organisations, and SMEs alike, GITEX GLOBAL welcomes the European Innovation Council for the first time, Europe’s biggest deep-tech investor.

It will also see significant collaborations with global organisations from all continents, such as the European Innovation Council, Tech Destination Pakistan, IE University, University College London (UCL), Johns Hopkins University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and key corporate ventures from leading tech enterprises such as Sony, Honda, Standard Chartered, QIC, and many more.

An action-packed agenda

Throughout its six-day duration, GITEX GLOBAL will become a microcosm of the world, launching industry-defining programmes such as GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns and rhinos. In 2024, the event will connect 59 top global unicorns, such as Axelera, DeepL, Insilico Medicine, and Synthesis AI.

The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit is another must-attend show with global innovators and influential leaders set to address critical priorities shaping the future of technology. Additionally, GITEX Cyber Valley is this year’s most anticipated cybersecurity showcase – hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council. With specialists forecasting that damage costs could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the show will present a power-packed conference agenda as the world’s most influential CISOs, CIOs, and GRC leaders to discuss the risks of global cybercrime.

Leo Chen, Corporate Senior Vice President & President of Enterprise Sales at Huawei, which will be present with a flagship stand at the event, commented on the possibilities unlocked at the event for the industry: “GITEX GLOBAL offers a unique platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogues with industry peers about the trends and perspectives on industrial intelligence. We look forward to sharing our insights and learning from others to explore the endless possibilities of industrial digital and intelligent transformation.”

For more information on GITEX GLOBAL 2024 and to secure your passes, please visit http://www.Gitex.com.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: CBB holds Fourth Board meeting for 2024

Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

CBB holds Fourth Board meeting for 2024

Published on 13 October 2024

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 13 October 2024 – The Central Bank of Bahrain’s (CBB) Board of Directors held its fourth meeting for the year 2024, chaired by Mr. Hassan Khalifa Al Jalahma on Sunday, 13 October 2024.

The Board reviewed the topics on the agenda including the CBB’s performance report and developments in the financial sector for the third quarter of 2024 and the CBB’s financial performance report.

The Board also reviewed key monetary and banking indicators for the year including the money supply, which increased by BD 0.6 million to reach BD 16.4 billion at the end of August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. As for retail banks, total private deposits increased to BD14.3billion at the end of August 2024, an increase of 2.9% compared to the end of August 2023. The outstanding balance of total loans and credit facilities extended to resident economic sectors increased to BD12.2 billion at the end of August 2024, an increase of 5.2% compared to the end of 2023, with the Business Sector accounting for 42.3% and the Personal Sector at 48.8% of total loans and credit facilities. The balance sheet of the banking system (retail banks and wholesale sector banks) increased to $243.1 billion at the end of August 2024, an increase of 8.2% compared to the end August of 2023.

Point of Sales (POS) data for August 2024 totaled 18.2 million transactions (77.2% of which were contactless), an increase of 18.1% compared to the same period in 2023. The total value of POS transactions for August 2024 totaled BD 387.7 million (52.2% of which were contactless), an increase of 15.7% compared to the same period in 2023.

The banking sector maintained a high level of capital adequacy and liquidity, as the capital adequacy ratio of the banking sector reached 20.0% in Q2 2024 compared with 19.3% in Q2 2023. The capital adequacy ratio for the various banking sectors was 32.9% for conventional retail banks, 16.7% for conventional wholesale banks, 19.6% for Islamic retail banks, and 20.8% for Islamic wholesale banks in Q2 2024.

The total number of registered Collective Investment Undertakings (CIUs) as of August 2024 stood at 1715 CIUs, compared to 1673 funds as of August 2023. The net asset value (NAV) of the CIUs increased from US$ 10.651 billion in Q2 2023 to US$ 11.178 billion in Q2 2024, reflecting an increase of 4.95%. Moreover, the NAV of Bahrain domiciled CIUs increased from US$ 4.390 billion in Q2 2023 to US$ 4.428 billion in Q2 2024, reflecting an increase of 0.87%. Furthermore, the NAV of overseas domiciled CIUs increased from US$ 6.261 billion in Q2 2023 to US$ 6.750 billion in Q2 2024, reflecting an increase of 7.81%. Additionally, the NAV of Shari’a-compliant CIUs increased from US$ 1.412 billion in Q2 2023 to US$ 1.812 billion in Q2 2024, reflecting an increase of 28.33%.

Share this

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: A Serendipitous NASA Family Reunion

Source: NASA

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Yomayra Cruz-Diaz didn’t imagine that one day she would work at NASA. Today, she serves as technical project coordinator at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia, supporting its Aeronautics Research Directorate.
Cruz-Diaz’s position requires her to travel in support of public engagement events and recently she supported NASA’s presence at the Miramar Airshow in San Diego, California where the agency’s booth featured Spanish-language STEM materials.
Something, or rather, someone, made this event especially unique for Cruz-Diaz: Her son, Israel Martinez-Cruz, is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps and is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
In a stroke of serendipity, they were both working the same event for their respective employers. Living on opposite sides of the country, they hadn’t seen each other in person for nearly a year. With surprise and joy, they hugged.
Growing up in a Puerto Rican household, conversations about core values revolved around family, Martinez-Cruz said. He recalled seeing his mom work at NASA and feeling inspired by her work ethic. That level of commitment ran in the family.
“Israel and I would carpool,” she said. “He would drop me off at Langley and then he would go on his way to his aircraft mechanic school.”
Martinez-Cruz serves as an air traffic controller, work that Cruz-Diaz knew about but had never seen in person.
“He’s explained to me what his job entails but taking a tour of his job site gives me a whole new understanding,” she said after a tour of the air traffic control tower.
NASA is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the annual observance honoring the wide and rich histories, cultures, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community. In the words of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, “Adelante y hacia arriba,” or “Onward and upward!”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Una reunión familiar de la NASA por casualidad

Source: NASA

Al crecer en Puerto Rico, Yomayra Cruz-Díaz no imaginó que algún día trabajaría en la NASA. En la actualidad, se desempeña como coordinadora de proyectos técnicos en el Centro de Investigación Langley de la NASA en Virginia, apoyando a su Dirección de Investigación Aeronáutica.
El puesto de Cruz-Díaz le requiere viajar para apoyar eventos de participación pública y recientemente apoyó la presencia de la NASA en una exhibición aérea, en San Diego, California, donde el puesto de la agencia presentó materiales STEM en español.
Algo, o, mejor dicho, alguien, hizo que este evento fuera especialmente único para Cruz-Díaz: su hijo, Israel Martínez-Cruz, actualmente sirve en los Marines de los Estados Unidos y está destinado en la Estación Aérea del Cuerpo de Marines de Miramar.
En un golpe de suerte, ambos trabajaban en el mismo evento para sus respectivos empleadores. Al vivir en lados opuestos del país, no se habían visto en persona durante casi un año. Con sorpresa y alegría, se abrazaron.
Al crecer en un hogar puertorriqueño, las conversaciones sobre los valores fundamentales giraban en torno a la familia, dijo Martínez-Cruz. El recuerda haber visto a su madre trabajar en la NASA y sentirse inspirado por su ética de trabajo. Ese nivel de compromiso era hereditario.
“Israel y yo compartiríamos el viaje”, ella dijo. “El me dejaba en Langley y luego seguía el camino a su escuela de mecánica aeronáutica”.
Martínez-Cruz se desempeña como controlador de tránsito aéreo, trabajo que Cruz-Díaz conocía pero que nunca había visto en persona.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on the Deployment of a THAAD Battery to Israel

Source: United States Department of Defense

At the direction of the President, Secretary Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1. The THAAD Battery will augment Israel’s integrated air defense system. This action underscores the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel, from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran. It is part of the broader adjustments the U.S. military has made in recent months, to support the defense of Israel and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias.

This is not the first time the United States has deployed a THAAD battery to the region. The President directed the military to deploy a THAAD battery to the Middle East last year following the October 7th attacks to defend American troops and interests in the region. The United States previously deployed a THAAD battery to Israel in 2019 for training and an integrated air defense exercise.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

Source: United Nations secretary general

Against the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and despite attacks that have hit United Nations positions, injuring a number of peacekeepers in the past several days, UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly. The Secretary-General pays tribute to the dedicated personnel of UNIFIL.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times without qualification. In a deeply worrying incident that occurred today, the entrance door of a UN position was deliberately breached by IDF armored vehicles.

UNIFIL continuously assesses and reviews all factors to determine its posture and presence. The mission is taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of its peacekeepers. UNIFIL’s role and its presence in southern Lebanon is mandated by the UN Security Council. In this context, UNIFIL is committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701, which is the only possible way forward.

The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.

He calls on all parties, including the IDF, to refrain from any and all actions that put our peacekeepers at risk. The Secretary-General takes the opportunity to reiterate the call for a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

Source: United Nations – English

gainst the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and despite attacks that have hit United Nations positions, injuring a number of peacekeepers in the past several days, UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly. The Secretary-General pays tribute to the dedicated personnel of UNIFIL.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times without qualification. In a deeply worrying incident that occurred today, the entrance door of a UN position was deliberately breached by IDF armored vehicles.

UNIFIL continuously assesses and reviews all factors to determine its posture and presence. The mission is taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of its peacekeepers. UNIFIL’s role and its presence in southern Lebanon is mandated by the UN Security Council. In this context, UNIFIL is committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701, which is the only possible way forward.

The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.

He calls on all parties, including the IDF, to refrain from any and all actions that put our peacekeepers at risk. The Secretary-General takes the opportunity to reiterate the call for a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: How to look after your mental health right now if you have family in the Middle East or another conflict zone
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Procter, Professor and Chair: Mental Health Nursing, University of South Australia

Escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon in recent weeks, has brought news of death, casualties and displacement.

In response, the Australian government has organised evacuation flights for Australian citizens and is urging all Australians in Lebanon to take the earliest available flights due to the unpredictable nature of the conflict.

For the more than 248,000 Australians with Lebanese ancestry, and others, this has been a deeply distressing time.

Escalating violence in Lebanon has also resonated deeply with other diasporas in Australia, such as those from Palestine and Ukraine. These scattered communities share similar experiences of conflict and displacement.

So how do Australians with links to Lebanon, Gaza or other conflict zones look after their mental health at this time? And how can you support others who may be struggling?

Identifying with pain and suffering

People with emotional ties to conflict zones overseas identify with the pain and suffering they see and hear. Australians with shared cultural heritage may be living in the shadow of homeland events and experiencing what research has called “push-pull” dynamics.

This may be experiencing periods of calm and ease mixed with intermittent periods of intense fear, uncertainty and emotional pain as upsetting events unfold.

For some, sleeplessness, irritability, fear, frustration, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion combine. People are no longer isolated from their country of origin. Rather, global events influence their personal and social life, and mental health.

The way people manage the interplay between homeland events, sense of powerlessness, and mental health in Australia are complex. It is easy to be rapidly consumed by what is happening. Events are graphic, compelling and fast moving.

How to look after yourself

So what can you do if you notice yourself or someone close to you is becoming impacted?

Know your distress triggers. For some, this might be witnessing violence on television news or social media. For others, this might be stories about children and young people who have been killed. Seeing and hearing images and stories can be distressing if they are repeated across multiple platforms. Some people may need to minimise their media exposure.

Talk to people you trust about how you are feeling. Describe what is happening and what you notice about yourself. If you are feeling fragile or concerned about your mental health, or the mental health of a loved one, seek support from your health-care provider.

Reconnect with and strengthen personal support networks. Supportive cultural connections and family members, and other supports including friends and colleagues, can protect against the onset or worsening of mental distress.

Getting help early can create more options for support. It can also make it easier to accept help in the future.

Refer to trusted sources of information and calibrate media exposure. While many people need to know about events, news stories and imagery are distressing.

Incorporate activities that comfort and distract you, and make your situation feel safer. This can include:
- spending time with family members or friends
- spiritual, faith or religious reconnecting
- distraction through music or food.
Avoid taking devices to bed to protect your sleep and your mental health.

How to support others

If you work with or support someone who is impacted, recognise this is a time for sensitivity and compassion. Show you are concerned and, at the same time, check they’re OK. Ask:

What would be most helpful in our support for you?

What is the best way for me/the team at work to be supportive and alongside you?

It is also important to ask about someone’s mental health. You can ask:

With events unfolding, how are things at home for you right now?

When validating a person’s experience, remember it is not always important to know personal detail or circumstances in fine detail. What is important is to demonstrate genuine interest, create trust and psychological safety. Aim to really listen, rather than listening so you can respond.

As a friend, colleague or manager, offering support and listening without judgement may help a person impacted by global catastrophic events.

In times like these, validation, human connection and support are some of the best things you can do to protect your own and other people’s mental health.

Sometimes it can be hard to find the words. Here’s what we know helps.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Nicholas Procter currently receives funding from Overseas Services to Survivors of Torture and Trauma, Foundation House and SA Health. He has previously received sitting fees from the Department of Home Affairs.

Mary Anne Kenny has previous received funding from the Australian Research Council and sitting fees from the Department of Home Affairs.

– ref. How to look after your mental health right now if you have family in the Middle East or another conflict zone – https://theconversation.com/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-right-now-if-you-have-family-in-the-middle-east-or-another-conflict-zone-240995
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Progressive Members Call on POTUS to Utilize Diplomacy, Reject Calls for War with Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Barbara Lee 13th District of California

October 13, 2024

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), James P. McGovern (MA-02), and Greg Casar (TX-35) today issued the following statement following press reports regarding possible U.S. participation in an offensive strike on Iran:

“Let us be clear: we strongly condemn Iran’s reprehensible launch of ballistic missiles into Israel. Military force will not solve the challenge posed by Iran. We need meaningful de-escalation and diplomacy—not a wider war. Addressing the root causes are the only route to achieving long-term security and stability in the region. Nothing in current law authorizes the United States to conduct offensive military action against Iran. We risk becoming entangled in another catastrophic war that will inevitably harm innocent civilians and may cost billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars.

“As progressives, we have been consistent in our support for diplomacy and following the law in complying with congressional war powers. We supported President Obama’s landmark nuclear diplomacy, which successfully limited Iran’s nuclear program multilaterally before it was sabotaged by President Trump’s misguided ‘maximum pressure’ strategy. Similarly, we rejected Trump’s reckless push for war and passed bipartisan legislation through both chambers of Congress to prevent unauthorized U.S. force against Iran, following the reckless assassination of Iranian General Soleimani.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Foreign Secretary takes seat at table with European Union on Middle East crisis and war in Ukraine
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg
Foreign Secretary David Lammy will today reinforce closer UK-EU cooperation on global issues by attending the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg

Foreign Secretary to join the group of 27 EU Ministers for the first time in more than two years

UK will use the meeting to engage with its closest neighbours on plans to reset European relations, the Middle East and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine

The UK Government will today (Monday 14 October) signal its ambition to engage more closely with the EU on foreign affairs as the Foreign Secretary joins counterparts in Luxembourg.

Taking a seat at the table of the Foreign Affairs Council with all 27 EU Foreign Ministers, the talks will focus on the main challenges facing European security. This will include discussions on how the UK and EU can work together to tackle continued Russian aggression and interference across the continent, as well as the escalating crisis in the Middle East, including the ongoing threat posed by Iran.

The trip, at the invitation of Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, follows the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Brussels where he committed to move beyond Brexit and make the UK’s relationship with the EU work for the British people.

UK attendance at the meeting will be part of more regular engagement, with plans for closer working on international affairs and to strengthen the UK-EU partnership on security matters to be set out after discussions with Josep Borrell in Luxembourg to deliver for Britons and our fellow Europeans.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

UK security is indivisible from European security. This government is determined to reset our relationships and deepen ties with our European partners in order to make us all safer.

This visit is an opportunity for the UK to be back at the table, discussing the most pressing global issues with our closest neighbours and tackle the seismic challenges we all face.

The Foreign Secretary’s attendance will highlight the importance of the UK working side-by-side with the European Union on foreign policy issues.

Ukraine is a prime example of how UK-EU collaboration makes a tangible impact. Joint sanctions depriving Russia of hundreds of billions of pounds; coordinated training of Ukrainian troops providing them with the skills they need, and working together on humanitarian support to target those most in need.

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 13 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: LIVE@12:45pm – State of Israel Goes Rogue – Attacks UN Peacekeepers
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today, Monday at 12:45pm October 14, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 7:45pm (USEST).

In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning I will analyse how the state of Israel has gone rogue, attacking United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

At this juncture it is clear this is an intentional attack. Over the past week Israel Defense Force troops have repeatedly attacked UN peacekeepers who were authorised and deployed to the region by the United Nations Security Council.

Also last week; the Government of Israel issued a statement notifying the United Nations Secretary General that he was now banned from Israel and was persona non grata.

Within a day of that statement, IDF troops had fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Southern Lebanon. Since then, the IDF has continued operations that threaten the UN’s presence.

And Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now issued a directive to the UN peacekeeping force to withdraw from the area north of its borders in Southern Lebanon.

Also, despite the United States Biden Administration cautioning Israel on its attacks on UN personnel, overnight New Zealand time, the United States has deployed 100 US troops on the ground in Israel to operate missile defence systems.

It would appear the Biden Administration has allowed Israel’s Government to draw it further into a war justified on defence but is factually a conflict that is clearly disproportional to Israel’s threat.

Atrocities against Palestinian civilians in Gaza continue; and, IDF hostilities continue in the occupied West Bank; missile attacks against civilian areas in Lebanon; and missiles have been fired into Syria over the weekend.

Today, Paul and Selwyn will consider:

* Why Israel has begun to attack United Nations peacekeepers in the region?

* Why has the United Nations deepened its involvement in Israel’s so-called defence?

* What of Hezbollah, Hamas; are their attacks on Israel a defence or an attacking offensive?

* What of Iran, what is its position and will it engage in a full-scale war with Israel and what are the consequences should it do so?

Live Audience: Remember, if you are joining us live via the social media platforms, feel free to comment as we can include your comments and questions in this programme.

INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:

Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.

To interact during the live recording of this podcast, go to Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/

Remember to subscribe to the channel.

For the on-demand audience, you can also keep the conversation going on this debate by clicking on one of the social media channels below:
- Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/
- Facebook.com/selwyn.manning
- Twitter.com/Selwyn_Manning
RECOGNITION: The MIL Network’s podcast A View from Afar was Nominated as a Top Defence Security Podcast by Threat.Technology – a London-based cyber security news publication. Threat.Technology placed A View from Afar at 9th in its 20 Best Defence Security Podcasts of 2021 category.

You can follow A View from Afar via our affiliate syndicators.

***
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Coalition seizes Newspoll lead, but other polls have Labor improving

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

A national Newspoll, conducted October 7–11 from a sample of 1,258, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since the previous Newspoll, three weeks ago. After three 50–50 ties in a row, this is the first time this term the Coalition has led in Newspoll.

Primary votes were 38% Coalition (steady), 31% Labor (steady), 12% Greens (down one), 7% One Nation (up one) and 12% for all Others (steady). By 2022 election preference flows, these primary votes would normally give a 50–50 tie, so rounding probably contributed to the Coalition’s lead.

Anthony Albanese’s net approval slumped six points to -14, his worst this term in Newspoll, with 54% dissatisfied and 40% satisfied. Peter Dutton’s net approval improved one point to -14. Albanese led Dutton as better PM by 45–37 (46–37 previously).

The graph below shows Albanese’s Newspoll net approval ratings this term. The data points are marked with plus signs and a smoothed line has been fitted. Albanese’s net approval has been below -10 in two of the last three Newspolls, causing the trend line to turn down.

Other federal polls last week had improvements for Labor, and Essential and Resolve last week both suggest the Middle East conflict has had virtually no impact on Australian party support. It’s possible this Newspoll is a pro-Coalition outlier.

Labor’s primary improves in Resolve poll

A national Resolve poll for Nine newspapers, conducted October 1–5 from a sample of 1,606, gave the Coalition 38% of the primary vote (up one since September), Labor 30% (up two), the Greens 12% (down one), One Nation 5% (down one), independents 12% (steady) and others 3% (down one).

Resolve doesn’t usually give a two-party estimate, but applying 2022 preference flows to the primary votes would give Labor about a 51–49 lead, unchanged from September.

Albanese’s net approval was unchanged at -18, with 53% giving him a poor rating and 35% a good rating. Dutton’s net approval improved one point to -1. Albanese led Dutton by 38–35 as preferred PM, a slight increase from 35–34 in September.

The Liberals led Labor by 38–26 on economic management (37–26 in September). On keeping the cost of living low, the Liberals led by 31–24 (32–25 previously).

By 58–29, respondents said they would struggle to afford an expense of a few thousand dollars (57–31 in May). This is the highest “struggle to afford” since Resolve started tracking this question in February 2023, but Labor can take some comfort from the little change since May.

Asked who was most responsible for rising living costs, 36% selected the federal government, 13% global factors, 13% businesses, 12% the Reserve Bank and 8% state and territory governments. Labor incumbent Jim Chalmers led the Liberals’ Angus Taylor as preferred treasurer by 24–18.

If Australians could vote in the US presidential election, Kamala Harris would lead Donald Trump by 52–21 (50–25 in September). Before Joe Biden’s withdrawal in July, he led Trump by just 26–22 with Australians with 31% for “someone else”. Harris’ net likeability is +24, Trump’s is -47 and Biden’s is -25.

Labor gains lead in Essential poll

A national Essential poll, conducted October 2–6 from a sample of 1,139, gave Labor a 49–47 lead including undecided (48–47 to the Coalition in late September). Primary votes were 34% Coalition (down one), 32% Labor (up three), 12% Greens (steady), 8% One Nation (steady), 1% UAP (down one), 9% for all Others (steady) and 5% undecided (steady).

On Israel’s military action, 32% said Israel should permanently withdraw from Gaza (down seven since August), 19% said Israel is justified (up two), 18% said Israel should agree to a temporary ceasefire (down three) and 32% were unsure (up eight).

On the Australian government’s response, 56% were satisfied (up five since August), 30% thought the government too supportive of Israel (down two) and 14% too harsh on Israel (down two).

By 40–27, voters would support a road user tax for electric vehicle drivers. Just 2% thought the gap between the rich and poor was decreasing, 71% thought it was increasing and 27% staying the same. On Australia’s political system, 48% thought it needs reform but is fundamentally sound, 40% said it needs fundamental change and just 12% said it’s working well.

Morgan poll tied

A national Morgan poll, conducted September 30 to October 6 from a sample of 1,697, had a 50–50 tie, a one-point gain for Labor since the September 23–29 poll.

Primary votes were 37.5% Coalition (down 0.5), 31.5% Labor (up 1.5), 12.5% Greens (down one), 5.5% One Nation (up one), 9% independents (down 0.5) and 4% others (down 0.5).

The headline figure uses respondent preferences. By 2022 election preference flows, Labor led by 52–48, a 0.5-point gain for Labor.

ACT election and NSW byelections this Saturday

The ACT uses the Hare Clark proportional method with five five-member electorates to elect its 25-member parliament, so a quota for election is one-sixth of the vote or 16.7%. The ACT is easily Australia’s most left-wing jurisdiction, and Labor has governed since 2001, often in coalition with the Greens. In 2020, Labor won ten seats, the Liberals nine and the Greens six.

There will also be three NSW state byelections this Saturday in the Liberal-held seats of Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater. Labor won’t be contesting any of these byelections. In Pittwater, Liberal Rory Amon defeated independent Jacqui Scruby by 50.7–49.3 at the 2023 state election. Amon resigned after being charged with child sex offences and Scruby will contest the byelection.

NSW and Victorian state polls

A NSW state Resolve poll for The Sydney Morning Herald, conducted with the federal September and October Resolve polls from a sample of 1,111, gave the Coalition 37% of the primary vote (down one since August), Labor 32% (up two), the Greens 11% (down one), independents 14% (steady) and others 6% (steady).

The Poll Bludger said the primary votes suggested a “slight two-party advantage to Labor”. Labor incumbent Chris Minns led the Liberals’ Mark Speakman as preferred premier by 37–14 (38–13 in August).

By 61–23, voters thought the NSW government is not doing enough to help renters. By 53–19, they thought the government should put aside money towards future metro rail projects.

A Victorian state Redbridge poll, conducted September 26 to October 3 from a sample of 1,516, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since a late July Redbridge poll. Primary votes were 40% Coalition (steady), 30% Labor (down one), 12% Greens (steady) and 18% for all Others (up one).

Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Coalition seizes Newspoll lead, but other polls have Labor improving – https://theconversation.com/coalition-seizes-newspoll-lead-but-other-polls-have-labor-improving-240785

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: EveningReport LIVE@12:45pm – State of Israel Goes Rogue – Attacks UN Peacekeepers

Source: EveningReport.nz (Video Podcasts)

The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today, Monday at 12:45pm October 14, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 7:45pm (USEST).

In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning I will analyse how the state of Israel has gone rogue, attacking United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

At this juncture it is clear this is an intentional attack. Over the past week Israel Defense Force troops have repeatedly attacked UN peacekeepers who were authorised and deployed to the region by the United Nations Security Council.

Also last week; the Government of Israel issued a statement notifying the United Nations Secretary General that he was now banned from Israel and was persona non grata.

Within a day of that statement, IDF troops had fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Southern Lebanon. Since then, the IDF has continued operations that threaten the UN’s presence.

And Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now issued a directive to the UN peacekeeping force to withdraw from the area north of its borders in Southern Lebanon.

Also, despite the United States Biden Administration cautioning Israel on its attacks on UN personnel, overnight New Zealand time, the United States has deployed 100 US troops on the ground in Israel to operate missile defence systems.

Today, Paul and Selwyn will consider:

* Why Israel has begun to attack United Nations peacekeepers in the region?

* Why has the United Nations deepened its involvement in Israel’s so-called defence?

* What of Hezbollah, Hamas; are their attacks on Israel a defence or an attacking offensive?

* What of Iran, what is its position and will it engage in a full-scale war with Israel and what are the consequences should it do so?

Live Audience: Remember, if you are joining us live via the social media platforms, feel free to comment as we can include your comments and questions in this programme.

INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:

Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.

To interact during the live recording of this podcast, go to Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/

Remember to subscribe to the channel.

For the on-demand audience, you can also keep the conversation going on this debate by clicking on one of the social media channels below:

Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3feU3ZedRlA

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Netanyahu urges UN to withdraw peacekeepers

Source: China State Council Information Office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday urged the United Nations to withdraw its UNIFIL peacekeeping force from southern Lebanon.

“Mr. Secretary-General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way,” Netanyahu said in a public video statement, addressing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“It should be done right now, immediately,” Netanyahu added.

Netanyahu claimed that the presence of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) forces in southern Lebanon makes them “hostages of Hezbollah,” the Lebanese armed group and political party with which Israel has been engaged in conflict since last October.

The prime minister expressed regret over the incident last week in which Israeli forces injured two UNIFIL soldiers in southern Lebanon. “We are doing everything possible to prevent this harm,” he said.

On Friday, UNIFIL condemned the attack on peacekeepers as “a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701,” stating that such incidents place UN peacekeepers in “extremely grave danger.”

Since early October, the Israeli military has conducted targeted ground operations against Hezbollah positions near the Lebanese border, while intensifying airstrikes and artillery bombardments across Lebanon, particularly in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Israeli tanks ‘forcibly enter’ UN position in southern Lebanon

Source: China State Council Information Office

This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a UNIFIL patrol vehicle in Marjeyoun, southern Lebanon. [Photo/Xinhua]

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Sunday that two Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of one of its positions in southern Lebanon and “forcibly entered” the site after blocking its movement the previous day.

“At approximately 4:30 in the morning, while the peacekeeping soldiers were in shelters, two Merkava tanks belonging to the Israeli army destroyed the main gate of the position and entered by force. The tanks left about 45 minutes later,” UNIFIL said in a statement, referring to a position in the Ramyah area on the Lebanese side of the border.

According to UNIFIL, the breach was part of recent Israeli violations against UN forces and positions over the weekend.

“At approximately 6:40 in the morning, peacekeepers in the same location reported multiple bursts of gunfire 100 meters north, creating dense smoke. Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced symptoms such as skin irritation and stomach issues after the smoke entered the base. They are receiving treatment,” the statement added.

In addition, UNIFIL reported that on Saturday, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers prevented a critical UNIFIL logistical movement near the southeast village of Mays al-Jabal.

“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701,” UNIFIL stated, adding that it has “requested an explanation from the IDF for these shocking violations.”

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been carrying out an intense air campaign on Lebanon, dubbed “Arrows of the North,” amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The campaign has included attacks on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, injuring at least five UN peacekeepers over the past week.

On Sunday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attacks. Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier remarks urging the UN to “get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way” from southern Lebanon, Mikati said this “represents a new chapter in the enemy’s disregard for international legitimacy and its relevant resolutions.”

“Lebanon, while condemning Netanyahu’s position and the Israeli aggression against UNIFIL, reaffirms its commitment to international legitimacy, Resolution 1701, and the role of the United Nations forces in the south, and demands that the international community take a firm stand to halt Israeli aggression,” Mikati added.

Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire along the Lebanon-Israel border, raising fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel rages in the Gaza Strip.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Global Logistics Forum 2024 highlights supply chain safety

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Global Logistics Forum 2024 kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday, highlighting supply chain safety and the steady operation of global logistics services.

The two-day forum, under the theme “Reshaping the Global Map of Logistics,” drew together 130 speakers and 80 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, said that the forum is of great significance as the global logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture.

He said that the current global challenges underscore the need to safeguard supply chains and maintain the operational continuity of logistics services, which are fundamental to global trade.

According to the Saudi minister, Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched in mid-2021, aims to invest more than 1 trillion Saudi riyals (0.27 trillion U.S. dollars) by 2030, adding that 200 billion Saudi riyals (53.26 billion U.S. dollars) of this amount has already been allocated, which will enable the Saudi logistics sector to advance significantly and contribute to improving the Kingdom’s global rankings.

The forum includes broad participation from leaders in the logistics sector, both public and private sectors, experts, top executives, and industry pioneers from various countries.

The forum discusses topics like empowering global markets, investing in logistics infrastructure, and the resilience of logistics services facing disruptions in the Red Sea area, as well as the new era of energy ports.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 19 killed in Israeli shelling on central Gaza school

Source: China State Council Information Office

People are seen at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least 19 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured on Sunday in Israeli shelling on a school housing displaced persons in the Nuseirat refugee camp of central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources.

Local sources and eyewitnesses reported that Israeli artillery fired on the Al-Mufti school, which houses dozens of displaced families in the northern Nuseirat camp.

The ambulance crew and civil defense units quickly arrived at the targeted site, they said, adding flashlight beams and mobile phone lights pierced the darkness caused by a power outage as rescue workers worked to transport the injured.

Paramedics said the rescue team recovered 19 bodies and around 80 injured people, including children and women, and transported them to hospitals in central Gaza.

Also on Sunday, five children were killed by the Israeli army in the west of the Al-Shati camp of northern Gaza, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on these attacks.

The ongoing Israeli offensive follows a Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which left about 1,200 people dead and around 250 taken hostage. Gaza-based health authorities said on Sunday that the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli airstrikes has reached 42,227.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Rebel factions gear up for major offensive in N. Syria

Source: China State Council Information Office

Children fleeing from Lebanon arrive at the Jdeidet Yabous crossing between Syria and Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group and allied factions in northern Syria are gearing up for a large-scale offensive against Syrian government forces in key areas, taking advantage of the violence resulting from the Israeli military showdown with Hezbollah and the potential involvement of Syria, a war monitor reported on Sunday.

The HTS, a former al-Qaida affiliate, and allied militant groups are planning a massive offensive on government-controlled areas, including Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, and Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The rebel group’s “Popular Resistance Companies” initiated a new recruitment campaign, seeking medical, administrative, and combat personnel, said the Observatory.

Recruitment centers have been established in towns and cities in areas under the group’s control in northern Syria, such as in Sarmada, Ariha, and Jisr al-Shughur in northwestern Syria’s Idlib province.

The radical group has also deployed heavy artillery, rocket launchers, and U.S.-made TOW anti-tank missiles to strategic locations in the western countryside of Aleppo.

In response, the Syrian army has reinforced its positions, particularly around Aleppo and other key areas, according to the Observatory.

The Britain-based watchdog group said the Syrian army’s elite units, such as the Fourth Division, 25th Special Forces Division, Fifth Corps, and the Republican Guard, have been deployed.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that preparations for the offensive are nearly complete, citing Syria’s opposition military leaders, including Colonel Mustafa al-Bakour, head of the Jaysh al-Izza rebel group.

Al-Bakour stated that the upcoming offensive would be a coordinated operation across multiple fronts to reclaim lost territory and weaken government forces.

As for why the HTS is preparing for a major assault, the Observatory said the group’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, believes that Israel might launch an offensive in southern Syria, making the Syrian government forces preoccupied with a hard battle in the south.

However, the Observatory noted that neither Türkiye nor Russia supports such a conflict triggered by the rebel group’s potential offensive.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chongqing, Cairo plan to pursue joint UNSCO recognition

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Baiheliang, literally the “White Crane Ridge,” is a 1,600-meter-long and 15-meter-wide stone ridge engraved with inscriptions about the Yangtze River dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). [Photo/Xinhua]

The project for the serial nomination of Baiheliang in China’s Chongqing and Raoudha Nilometer in Egypt’s Cairo for World Cultural Heritage status is progressing steadily, with the cooperation framework between China and Egypt (in the preliminary stage) now in its final stages of completion, experts said at an academic symposium held on Saturday in Chongqing’s Fuling district.

Baiheliang, or the White Crane Ridge, is a giant stone ridge located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (Fuling section). The ancient Chinese used stone-carved fish images as measuring tools and inscriptions as written records to monitor and document water levels. The site, used from 763 AD to 1963, is believed to be the world’s most ancient hydrographic survey station.

The nilometer is an Egyptian invention designed to gauge the water levels of the Nile River. The Raoudha Nilometer in Cairo, constructed in 715 AD, stands as a prominent example of this technology.

Last year, Chongqing and Cairo initiated joint efforts to seek UNESCO World Cultural Heritage recognition for their respective sites.

However, the concept of hydrological landscapes, as a relative new idea, still necessitates comprehensive thematic research and further efforts to attain international recognition within academic spheres, according to director of the China World Cultural Heritage Center of Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage Zhao Yun during the symposium.

She also noted the coordination challenges associated with the protection, management and study of cross-continent cultural heritage require the implementation of mechanisms and measures to guarantee their safeguarding.

The symposium, which centered on the heritage value, conservation and inheritance of Baiheliang and Raoudha Nilometer, drew hydrological heritage experts and international cultural heritage experts from home and abroad. This gathering is a part of the 2024 Baiheliang Tourism and Culture Festival, which kicked off on Friday night in Fuling.

“We are pleased to have observed the joint efforts of the Baiheliang of China and the Nilometer of Egypt, two exemplary hydrological heritage sites, in advancing their serial nomination for World Cultural Heritage. This represents both an international dialogue in heritage safeguarding and an innovative approach to international cooperation on world heritage,” said Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the festival.

The festival not only showcased the unique charm of the Baiheliang inscriptions, but also deepened the cooperation between Egypt and China in the fields of cultural heritage protection and cultural exchange, said Ambassador of Egypt to China Assem Hanafi at the event.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Exhibition of Chinese art, cultural works opens in Iran

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

This photo taken on Oct. 12, 2024 shows a view of an exhibition of selected works of Chinese art and culture at the Malek National Library and Museum in Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati)

An exhibition of selected works of Chinese art and culture kicked off on Saturday in the Iranian capital Tehran.

The exhibition showcases a collection of cultural exchange achievements between China and Iran along the Silk Road. It includes paintings created by Chinese artists, manuscripts by renowned Chinese authors, and ancient coins used in Silk Road trade.

China and Iran, as two of the world’s ancient civilizations, had been communicating with each other through the Silk Road since a long time ago, Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu said at the opening ceremony, noting that such historical ties have created a solid foundation for the two countries’ present cultural exchanges.

The successful holding of the exhibition will inject new vitality into cultural exchanges between China and Iran, providing more support for the deepening of friendship between the two countries, according to the ambassador.

Director of the Malek National Library and Museum Amir Khorakian said that the long distance between the two countries did not hinder communications and relations between the Iranian and Chinese peoples, expressing hope for more bilateral cultural exchanges in the future.

The exhibition will continue until Nov. 10 at the Malek National Library and Museum.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: Q3 2024 Trading Update and Invitation to Earnings Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Oslo, 14 October 2024 – DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, will publish its Q3 2024 operating and interim financial results on 7 November at 07:00 (CET). A videoconference call with executive management will follow at 14:00 (CET). Today the Company provides an update on production, sales volumes and other key information for the quarter.

Volumes (boepd)

Gross operated production	Q3 2024	Q2 2024	Q3 2023
Kurdistan	84,212	79,783	25,984
North Sea	–	–	–

Net entitlement production	Q3 2024	Q2 2024	Q3 2023
Kurdistan	17,607	17,167	9,897
North Sea	11,236	16,321	14,288

Sales	Q3 2024	Q2 2024	Q3 2023
Kurdistan	17,607	17,167	9,897
North Sea	15,306	12,871	15,749

Equity accounted production (net)	Q3 2024	Q2 2024	Q3 2023
Côte d’Ivoire	2,843	3,256	3,373

Selected cash flow items

DNO’s share of crude oil from the Tawke license during the quarter has been sold to local buyers as the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline remained closed. Payments are deposited directly into DNO’s international bank accounts in advance of loadings.

In the third quarter, DNO paid a dividend of NOK 0.3125 per share (totaling USD 29 million), which was up 25 percent from prior quarterly distributions. The Company had no tax payments or refunds during the quarter.

The acquisition of stakes in five oil and gas fields in the Norne area in the Norwegian Sea announced in May was completed on 30 August. Net cash consideration paid by DNO was approximately USD 24 million. The transfer of DNO’s 22.6 percent interest in Ringhorne East to Vår Energi, the other element of the swap, was completed on the same date.

Other items and information

DNO participated in two exploration wells in the Norwegian North Sea in the quarter. The Heisenberg/Angel well in PL827SB (49 percent interest) was spudded on 18 August and completed on 16 September. The well delineated the play-opening 2023 Heisenberg oil and gas discovery and confirmed the volume estimate of 24 to 56 MMboe but the deeper Angel exploration target was found to be mainly water wet. The operated Falstaff well (50 percent interest) was spudded on 20 September and drilling was ongoing as of end of Q3 2024.

Other drilling activities during the quarter included the B-3 well in Kurdistan at the DNO-operated Baeshiqa license (64 percent interest), which was spudded on 21 February, completed on 26 July and was ongoing a testing program as of end of Q3 2024.

Earnings call login details

Please visit http://www.dno.no for login details ahead of the call.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this release is based on a preliminary assessment of the Company’s Q3 2024 operating and interim financial results and may be subject to change.

–

For further information, please contact:
Media: media@dno.no
Investors: investor.relations@dno.no

–

DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, Netherlands and Yemen.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: PODCAST: State of Israel Goes Rogue – Attacks UN Peacekeepers
A View from Afar – In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning analyse how the state of Israel has gone rogue, attacking United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. At this juncture it is clear this is an intentional attack.

Over the past week Israel Defense Force troops have repeatedly attacked UN peacekeepers who were authorised and deployed to the region by the United Nations Security Council.

Also last week; the Government of Israel issued a statement notifying the United Nations Secretary General that he was now banned from Israel and was persona non grata. Within a day of that statement, IDF troops had fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Southern Lebanon.

Since then, the IDF has continued operations that threaten the UN’s presence. And Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now issued a directive to the UN peacekeeping force to withdraw from the area north of its borders in Southern Lebanon.

Also, despite the United States Biden Administration cautioning Israel on its attacks on UN personnel, overnight New Zealand time, the United States has deployed 100 US troops on the ground in Israel to operate missile defence systems.

Paul and Selwyn consider:
- Why Israel has begun to attack United Nations peacekeepers in the region?
- Why has the United States deepened its involvement in Israel’s so-called defence?
- What of Hezbollah, Hamas; are their attacks on Israel a defence or an attacking offensive?
- What of Iran, what is its position and will it engage in a full-scale war with Israel and what are the consequences should it do so?
INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:

Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.

To interact during the live recording of this podcast, go to Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/

Remember to subscribe to the channel.

For the on-demand audience, you can also keep the conversation going on this debate by clicking on one of the social media channels below:
- Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/
- Facebook.com/selwyn.manning
- Twitter.com/Selwyn_Manning
RECOGNITION: The MIL Network’s podcast A View from Afar was Nominated as a Top Defence Security Podcast by Threat.Technology – a London-based cyber security news publication. Threat.Technology placed A View from Afar at 9th in its 20 Best Defence Security Podcasts of 2021 category.

You can follow A View from Afar via our affiliate syndicators.

***
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 23, 2025

Category: Middle East

Identifying with pain and suffering

How to look after yourself

How to support others

Share this page

Updates to this page

Labor’s primary improves in Resolve poll

Labor gains lead in Essential poll

Morgan poll tied

ACT election and NSW byelections this Saturday

NSW and Victorian state polls